UBP: We Will Fight Election Full-On
The UBP may be down — but plans are in the works to revitalise the party before the next general election is called.
UBP Leader Kim Swan said, “We are actively reworking our party, we are meeting with potential donors, and we are speaking with potential candidates, and we will fight the next General Election full-on.”
The UBP once dominated the political scene, winning eight back-to-back General Elections between 1968 and 1993.
However, as of November 2011, the party holds just two seats in the house — the lowest number in its 47-year history.
They held 14 seats in the House of Assembly in the beginning of 2008, but by late 2009 they were down to just nine seats in total after the three MPs split to form the short-lived Bermuda Democratic Alliance [BDA] and both former leader Wayne Furbert and newcomer Darius Tucker quit the party to sit as Independents, and later as PLP MPs.
In May 2011, members of the UBP voted to dissolve the party and merge with the BDA to form the One Bermuda Alliance [OBA].
Days later, UBP leader Kim Swan, MP Charles Swan and others launched legal action seeking to stop the UBP from dissolving. However seven UBP MPs resigned from the party to join the OBA, leaving Kim Swan and Charles Swan as the only two UBP MPs.
Mr. Swan previously confirmed he will stand for re-election in Constituency #2, St. George’s West in the next General Election.
In a recent statement, Kim Swan said, “The UBP is still here, Charlie and I are still here, we are deeply committed to each and every Bermudian, and we have spent the last six months listening.”
“Over the next weeks and months we will be releasing messages, statements, and updates on our progress. Be assured we are active, we are preparing and we are the only party in whom you can trust.”
“So here we are in November 2011; Charlie Swan and I proud MPs of the UBP, a UBP who created the Commission for Unity & Racial Equality, but watched the PLP abolish it; a UBP which created free public education and have watched the PLP destroy any confidence in the public education system; and the UBP which handed over a budget surplus in 1998, only for us to be a billion dollars in debt in 2011.
“We are actively reworking our party, we are meeting with potential donors, and we are speaking with potential candidates, and we will fight the next General Election full-on. The UBP is still here, Charlie and I are still here, we are deeply committed to each and every Bermudian, and we have spent the last six months listening.
“Over the next weeks and months we will be releasing messages, statements, and updates on our progress. Be assured we are active, we are preparing and we are the only party in whom you can trust. We haven’t accepted MPs who crossed due to boundary changes; we aren’t formed by MPs who lied to their own constituents and we are not afraid to fight for you. ”
“You will never hear us try to justify a lie by saying: ‘We had to deceive you’. We will never ever shirk our responsibilities to Bermudians by saying: ‘We were only a cog in a wheel”.
Kim Swan continued, saying: “We take our word to you seriously, and we know the awesome privilege of serving our fellow Bermudians. We know the challenge at hand, but we are very excited by the people who have come forward to put their name in the UBP hat; to work for the People of Bermuda under the UBP umbrella.”
“Stay tuned and watch for the UBP; the present Government has had a party…well it’s not about party, it’s about country…”All the Way Bermuda…Bermuda all the Way!”
The UBP was founded on August 21, 1964, by 24 Independent members of Bermuda’s Parliament, following the formation of the Progressive Labour Party. Sir Henry Tucker was the first leader of the new party.
In 1968 the UBP formed the first Government under Bermuda’s new Constitution and Universal Adult Suffrage, winning 30 of the 40 seats. Sir Henry Tucker was appointed Bermuda’s first Government Leader. His successor Sir Edward Richards became the island’s first Premier in 1973 after the Constitution Amendment Act changed the Government Leader’s title.
Although an election date has not yet been set, Premier Paula Cox is widely expected to take the island to the polls in the coming months and all three political parties are on an election-footing .
The ruling PLP has been rolling out its slate of Parliamentary hopefuls in recent months and the party has held a series of candidate selection primaries. The One Bermuda Alliance has also started announce their candidates recently, with the party expected to unveil other Parliamentary hopefuls in the coming weeks.
RUMOR has it that Herald Darrell is behind Kim Swan pushing him to do this ??
Can’t wait for the next general election which will finally destroy the stupid UBP forever. My…what does it take for people to accept change. Quite a lot I think. Kim, there is knuckling down and working hard when times are tough….and then there is being Hardcore Raw Stupid.
and if he is so What? I would prefer Harold Darrell any day to Michael Donkley or Michael Fakeey because Harold knows 1st hand what they can try to do to you when you make the systems accountable, at both ends = the government and private sector. He’s a self made Black business man but you would never see the likes of him being recognized. Why? because he don’t take no one’s crap.
Whatever, you sound like a relative or the man himself. Now join me and go sleep. The UBP is dead now they are reborn the OBA.
@ Garry Marshall you are spot on….my hope is that the 12% that still support the UBP will realise they will give a free pass to the Country having to put up with this awful Government for another five years.In fact many of the UBP
conservative voters have already fled the island… many who got status when it was sooo easy, now they have left us in our time of need ..sic. Lord Help This Island!!!!
Why don’t you guys just join the OBA? Really… Bermuda can’t take another term of PLP rule. Their incompetence has caused so much damage to this island and another term will just flush this island down the toilet. All you are going to do is split the votes and keep the incompetent PLP in power for another term and allow them to just completely destroy this little rock we call home.
I agree with you. The split vote will almost guarantee a PLP win. UGH
Like any good Captain it appears my cousin Kim is prepared to go down with his ship! My only concern here is that the two opposition parties will split the vote and hand the election to the PLP.
Good luck mate….
@CJAP – OBA Affiliated:
Perhaps the group of “turncoats” & “back-stabbers” who formed the then BDA and now the OBA should have thought about that when they decided to spit on the party and the membership that put them in place.
I can believe in change and the betterment of the country – - but when you create something new just to destroy what is old due to perception and fear – - when you create something new to gain advantage over older statesmen who you feel “should move out of your way” – - when you do these things, it’s not change – -it’s just selfish.
Bill Cosby said it best – - on an old episode of the Cosby Show, Vanessa brought home her new finacee, Dabnus (she didn’t tell her parents she was getting married). She lied and tried to hide it from them. Bill described it like this – - “He might have been Beef Wellington, but you brought him in on a dirty, old garage lid.” Message – it doesn’t matter if what you present is better, it is how you serve it.
The OBA has been created on deceit and disrespect, thus you will always have that tainted smell about you – - no matter how you dress it up.
Yng Black Mind
(those who know understand)
sounds like we need to have bill Cosby in the PLP, maybe he will tell you that constant race talk is only going to seperate.
@confused:
Nowhere in my statement do I mention race – so why did you? I made reference to the formation of the OBA and how the UBP was treated in that formation – - I used the Cosby Show as a reference point – - so again, I ask where does race come into play?
Yng Black Mind
@ Young black Mind, out of curiosity, do you feel the same contempt about the PLPs deceit and disrespect?
@Truth (Original):
I believe that the current Government is liable for several problems we face as a country – - economically, they neglected their responsibility and spent too much causing our debt to soar – - socially, they allowed a failed education system (middle school) to be kept in place, thus impacting our young people and their futures – -
The PLP has a lot to answer for – believe me – - this isn’t about the PLP versus any opposition – - if I could have my way, we would do away with party politics in this country – - the House and the Senate would be filled with concerned Bermudians who are willing to discuss, and work together for the betterment of the island – REGARDLESS OF WHERE THE IDEA COMES FROM OR FROM WHOM.
But that’s pie in the sky talk because the facts remain that we, all of us – Black, white, or other – are too busy fighting over the little idea of power in this country that we continue to forget about the big thing – - OUR COUNTRY.
I believe in BERMUDA and her people – - too bad those who have been elected to represent THOSE people don’t – - ponder those words when you go to the polls – - – I will be voting for the best person possible – - cause all parties can shove it – - I will not be blinded by the “Get the white’s out” talk of the PLP or the “We are Different now” rhetoric of the OBA – - cause both of it is crap.
Come with viable solutions and speak to the issues without the childish name calling and playground politics and we can talk – - if not, step up or shut up.
Yng Black Mind
(those who know understand)
* Kim Swan is doing exactly that – - he is stepping up – speaking plainly about what he believes – - (it doesn’t matter if he wins or not, he is working for his country)
Brilliant! A well written, thoughtful and articulate post! What a beautiful island we could become again if we could work together.
Peace
your cousin Kim was always in bed with the PLP thats why everyone left. Yes there is two sides to a coin but you cant call both sides in a bet, why did he think he could do it in politics,,,,just say’in
@ Confused, Kim Swan July 2011 challenges Plp Government http://www.royalgazette.com/article/20110710/NEWS01/707099993
Kim Swan RG on Feb. 2011
http://www.royalgazette.com/article/20110211/NEWS01/702119958
All the old UBP Diehards will vote for their party at the next General Election, the PLP will win, and Kim swan will be offered a Ministerial or Senate appointment, sounds like a plan. “PERMISSION TO COME ABOARD MADAME PREMIER”
Laugh out Loud. Good Luck
@ Fight with 12% says..You sound as if the OBA has promised you status…Why don’t you leave before it gets any worst. I’m sure the people where you are originally from are much smarter than any that reside in Bermuda. Tell us why you want to put up with us for status.
Kim Swan has proven though this whole fiasco that he is a man of integrity and morals and a man who will stand for what is right. He did abandon ship like the rest of the former UBP MP’s and parties. He is fighting for what is right for our country and thats what matters at the end of the day. I just checked and the UBP website is back up and running and I read his whole letter ( http://ubp.bm/archives/165 )which is a very interesting read and most of all it makes sense.
@ confused,
Your attempt to discredit me is severely flawed and your portrayal of the those who left the UBP is wrong and appears self serving. The UBP MPs left AFTER an injunction was granted by the courts which occurred when the UBP Executive (and some MPs) FAILed to recognize the request by members for a disputes tribunal under section 13 of the UBP Constitution. Fact !
Kim Swan won a marginal seat in 07′ under the UBP banner and continues to hold the Plp accountable whilst respecting the good and bad of the UBP. Fact!
My record speaks for itself !
Kim Swan MP
St. George’s West #2
http://www.onebda.com
Mr. Swan lets cut the BS. The members left to change the name, because they were finally aware that no black Bermudian was going to vote for the UBP now, later or ever again.
Now we have the OBA who team saying were not UBP and we think different. Black Bermudians are not that stupid. Changing a name makes no difference.
I would respect the OBA if they stated “we are members from both parties PLP and UBP coming together to fix are Islands problems thus formed the OBA”.
Please keep it real
That’s right Black Bermudians are not that stupid, they voted Col.Burch back in.
@ Cleancut
So are you saying that all the Black men and women in my country that either like Col. Burch or voted for him are stupid?
Don’t mix your sentence, state what you mean what you mean!
@Question, where do you see “ALL” in my sentence? the one’s that are stupid in my country are voting Col. Burch back in, my opinion! and it’s not limited to black men and women as “Please keep it real” may think.
Please lets start again. SO WHAT DID YOU MEAN BLACK BERMUDIANS ARE NOT THAT STUPID THEY VOTED COL. BURCH IN?
You didn’t have to use the word ALL, but you wrote black Bermudians. It’s either all or nothing.
I have a question for you, why did all the white Bermudians leave the UBP? They have been happy with that party all these years.
Maybe it’s to change the name to win the black vote back!
The ones that voted Col. Burch back in at the Primary eletion.
Yng blk mind – what about WAYNE FURBERT – he was elected UBP!! He is now a PLP MINISTER!! Jonathan Smith co wrote the UBP crime platform 2007 – yes three strikes and your’e out that the PLP said was going to see lots of blacks locked up – HE IS YOUR SENATOR! Oh never mind Maxwell, Larry, oh and Vince Ingham – ask him when he last hosted a UBP fund raiser. how about the turn coat darius? happy to accept him too! you are crazy!
@Jim Bean:
Please sir – before you try to call me out – refer back to my previous comments. My statement to Bro. Truth (the Original) clearly states where I stand in regards to the PLP and our political system.
I haven’t accepted anything – - try to paint me with the same brush as all the rest and you will always be wrong.
Yng Black Mind
(those who know understand)
@Jim Bean – Ask your leader Mr. Craig C, why he paid and attended the $500 a plate dinner for Ewart and Fundraiser for the PLP. He has stated that he’s more PLP but couldn’t resist like most the dangled 14Kcarrot. I prefer Johnny Walker any day to Jim Bean. LMAO
It’s not about Party or Philosophy anymore, it’s about pocket. “I want to help this country and help my fellow man” “i have a lot to offer this country” ” its time to move this country forward” ” i am a hard worker” “i will get things done” etc, etc. lets not forget Government offers great executive positions and perks, Free travel, sometimes 20 trips a year, first class travel,room and board, receptions,invitations, good pay, and a solid Pension. Did i forget the Celebrity Status? you know we Bermudians love the center Stage.
@ Jim Bean
Why don’t you try to work hard like the people you put on blast. Half the people on the OBA team were either UBP or PLP at one point.
I don’t see you calling them out, but if you did the list will be longer then you think.
Really I don’t care, I haven’t decided which team I’m voting for. Who is the OBA running in Devonshire anyway?
I am happy Kim Swan is taking a stand because there is integrity a man who stays on the boat even though it may be taking on water. The captain goes down with the ship but his team jumped ship and now have a captain that has never even been in a punt. I hope the Hon. Kim Swan find people that are dedicated to the original UBP and I hope Sully joins them because he is very intellegent. MAKE MY DAY.
Come on “OBA/UBP” go over there and give the “Swans” a decent “apology” for what you did to them, and maybe Swans will shake your hands and fully unite the UBP/OBA. Be a BIG enough to step forward first. Swans share the same idelogy and Party or Philosophy as the OBA/UBP. Swans are hurting and just want a proper hand shake Craig. Come on you guys get it together, and stop acting mean, like some of your supporters can be. Showing and rearing that old ugly UBP behaviours. Everyone wants to be a star, no one wants to get off the stage. “All the world a stage, and there are many players”!
Yeah…walk over to the Swans and shake their hands, after all you treated them so badly. Come on… Craig man show me the OBA/UBP are big enough to act in a respectful manner. Make Kim feel good, and give him a Minister’s post. Maybe you all can end up dancing together again….who knows after all they are apart of the UBP/OBA one of the same.